|
Foliar micronutrient formulation for Banana (Crop specific micronutrient formulations)
|
||
| Application / Use: | For fast correction of micronutrient disorders in Banana soil application of micronutrient is inefficient (5%), delayed (30 - 45 days) and cost is high (Appx: Rs. 800 kg for Boron and Rs. 1500 for Zinc alone/ha. By this formulation 3 sprays. Cost is Rs.800/ha, correction within 24 – 48 hrs and nutrient use efficiency is 30 – 40%. Benefit cost ratio 9 : 1. | |
| Input Needed: | Pulvenizer - 50 kg/hr Mixer 100 kg/batch Space: 90 sq meter (with drying yard) Raw material: Zinc sulphate, Boric acid, Borax, Ferrous Sulphate, Ferric citrate Fillers: Magnesium sulphate or Calcium sulphate Power needed: 5 HP Analysis of Raw material to be done in Atomic Absorption Spectro photometer (Zn, Fe), Visible spectro photometer (B) If Paid service is available enough. No need to have own instruments. Patenting Applied on 3rd March 2008. | |
| Output Capacity: | 100 kg/ 8 hrs. (if processed raw material is ready – 6 man days) | |
| Specific Benefits: | Correction of micro nutrients very fast (24 – 48 hrs) and hence other inputs like NPK, water not wasted. Soil application inefficient. Spray on bunches Zn, Fe content of fruit increased, deficient in Indian diet – value addition at farm. | |
| Unit Cost: | Rs. 100 per kg | |
| Description: | The product has Zn, B & Fe in a chemically active, water soluble combination. The nutrients that are incorporated and the ratio have been identified by intensive research in identifying predominant nutrient disorders in all cultivars of Banana growing regions of Southern India considering the common limiting micronutrients by visual diagnosis, confirmed by soil and leaf analysis. The chemicals are water soluble and toxicity is avoided. Hence any farmer with less skill can also use it whereas the existing market formulation result in toxicity if handled improperly. This formulation can be used in semi arid, sub humid and humid regions. The cost is Rs. 100/kg, and common stickers like Rs. 2/- shampoo sachets in the village shops can be used. Common lemon/lime fruit juice increases the efficiency of uptake. Effective for garden land banana exp. with poor root health for all varieties including Neypoovan, D. Cavendish, Robusta, Grand nain (both tissue culture and suckers). Sprayed at 5/g litre, 5th, 6th, 7th and one month after bunch emergence (drenching once at 0.5% after sucker planting is very effective). Can be mixed with plant protection chemicals. Basic principle: India has approximately 2.2 lakh banana holdings and leaf analysis based nutrient correction involves 2 lakh samples per year analysis which is impossible. A composite formulation for correcting predominant disorders has proved effective. Technology being used and from 2002. Product worth sold Rs.14.00 lakh from ATIC of IIHR. In great demand promoted by KVK’s of Zone VIII. Efficient in correcting both visible deficiencies and hidden hunger of Zn, B & Fe. | |
| Developed By: | Dr. M. Edward Raja, Principal Scientist & Head, Division of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, IIHR, Bangalore | |
| Contact Person: | Director, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessarghatta Lake, Bangalore-560 089, Tel: 080-28466420-24 (ext. 200); Fax: 080-28466291; email: director@iihr.ernet.in | |
| Institute: | IIHR, Bangalore | |